The Classical Circuit
A deep-dive into the intricate world of classical music and all that comes with working in it. Host Ella Lee chats to a bunch of brilliant guests from across the profession, discussing their best career high, their worst career low, and other things that show you a different side to the one you might see on their website.
Instagram: @theclassicalcircuit
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- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 40 minutes
- Episodes
- 45
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
44. Sam McShane on class and accessibility in the classical music industry
In Episode 44 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Sam McShane, Artistic Director of King’s Place in London, on the various factors that make up the picture of class and how they can affe…
43. Jeffrey Biegel on embracing the evolution of music and 'following your own yellow brick road'
In Episode 43 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to pianist Jeffrey Biegel about his pathway into music, shaped by a significant hearing deficit until undergoing corrective surgery aged 3;…
42. Chris Lloyd on evolving attitudes to the industry, closing Berlin's biggest techno festival, and not leaving his fate in the hands of others
In Episode 42 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to pianist and writer Chris Lloyd, co-founder of the 1781 Collective, about his pathway into music, the evolution of his feelings towards t…
41. Anna Clyne on exploring multiple art forms, leaving a legacy, and the email that changed her life
In Episode 41 of The Classical Circuit, composer Anna Clyne chats about her penchant for bringing different art forms together in her work; from painting, to dance, to electronics. She reflects on th…
40. Dominique Vleeshouwers on finding his voice as a composer, recovering from melanoma, and learning to create balance
In Episode 40 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to percussionist Dominique Vleeshouwers (aka DOMNIQ) about his new album, A New Dawn, created in response to his experience of diagnosis, t…
39. Alison Buchanan on the importance of mentoring, making opera accessible, and how organisations should reflect the communities they serve
In Episode 39 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee chats to soprano Alison Buchanan, Artistic Director of Pegasus Opera. Alison shares the impact that joining the Glyndebourne chorus at sixteen ha…
38. Harry Christophers on 25 years of the Choral Pilgrimage, nurturing a new generation of talent, and the power of human connection
Recorded March 2025
In Episode 38 of The Classical Circuit, conductor Harry Christophers reflects on 25 years of The Sixteen's 'Choral Pilgrimage', this year's 'Angel of Peace' theme, and the power of…
37. Benjamin Appl on his friendship with Kurtág, honouring Fischer-Dieskau, and the vulnerability of personal projects
In Episode 37 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to German baritone Benjamin Appl about collaborating with György Kurtág, and honouring his friend and mentor Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau in hi…
36. Simon Wales on taking on a newly reopened venue, his love of choirs, and the importance of support networks
In Episode 36 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Simon Wales, Chief Executive of Bristol Beacon, about the challenges of taking on a newly reopened venue. Having only stepped into the r…
35. Charlotte Scott on cultivating the right mindset for performance, balancing motherhood with a career, and rediscovering her love for Mozart after 35
In Episode 35 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to violinist Charlotte Scott. Charlotte talks about the process of cultivating a solid mindset that allows her to not only cope with the pr…
34. Calum Huggan on inspiring young musicians, branching out from his classical training, and being taken seriously as a young professional
In Episode 34 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Scottish percussionist Calum Huggan about supporting and engaging the next generation of young musicians in his role as Head of the Bene…
33. Jane Mitchell on orchestral theatre, empowering musicians on stage, and communication within organisations
In Episode 33 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Jane Mitchell, Creative Director of the Aurora Orchestra (and also their Principal Flautist), about the ensemble’s fresh approach to per…
32. Andrew Keener on the role of a recording producer, working with different personalities, and messing up his first ever session
In Episode 32 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to award-winning producer and legend of the classical music recording industry, Andrew Keener. Andrew discusses the responsibilities of a p…
31. Holly Mathieson on her decision to step back from performing
In Episode 31 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to conductor (and software engineer!) Holly Mathieson about her decision to take an open-ended sabbatical from performing: the various fact…
30. Rafael Payare on the importance of access to music, artistic programming as a Music Director, and his first time conducting the Vienna Philharmonic
In Episode 30 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee chats to conductor Rafael Payare: his rapid introduction to the music world at the age of 14; and how strongly he feels that amidst huge unrest i…
29. Jack Bazalgette: defining the term 'classical music', getting projects off the ground, and bringing classical music to gig venues
In Episode 29 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Jack Bazalgette, co-founder and Artistic Director of through the noise, and Artistic Director of the Cheltenham Music Festival. Jack tal…
28: Benjamin Levy: Classics Explained
In Episode 28 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Benjamin Levy, creator of Classics Explained: a team of young content creators making animated videos that explain the stories and creat…
27: Adam Heron: identity as a 'third-culture kid', working outside of music, recovering from repetitive strain injury (RSI)
In Episode 27 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee chats to pianist Adam Heron about lacking a sense of belonging as a ‘third-culture kid’; how working outside the music world transformed his rela…
26. Freya Waley-Cohen: sustaining a career as a composer, setting creative parameters, and her song cycle 'Spell Book'
In Episode 26 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee is joined by composer Freya Waley-Cohen to talk about building and sustaining a composing career in today’s world, her song cycle ‘Spell Book’ (t…
25. John Suchet OBE on 'In Search of Beethoven: A Personal Journey'
John Suchet OBE is a well-loved radio and TV presenter, author, and journalist. For thirty years he was known primarily as a reporter and newscaster for ITN, covering major world events including the…